How to Start an LLC?

Do you want to start an LLC, but you’re not sure where to begin? At LLC Geek you can find step-by-step guides on starting your LLC for each state. It’s designed for the complete beginner who has never heard of an LLC before!

Step-by-step: How to start an LLC

Starting a new LLC business is one of the most exciting and liberating things you can do. We will provide all the information you need to start your own LLC in a few easy steps. This step-by-step guide is going to walk you through the process of registering an LLC. We’ll tell you what is required to form your own company, and give some useful tips along the way.

Every state has its own law and regulation about forming an LLC. We will give you general guidelines for all 50 states so that you can get a sense of what is required in your area. You should always check with your secretary of state office to make sure you are following the correct process for your area.

Select a state for your LLC

The first step in creating an LLC is to decide which state you will be incorporating in. The state constitutes where your legal company headquarters are; it decides the jurisdiction of your business and therefore affects how courts may rule against disputes that occur in its territory. If you are planning on running a multi-state business then check out ‘National LLCs’ which allow you to operate multiple companies in different states under one central LLC.

Find a Name

Your company needs a name! It can be anything! If you already have one in mind then write it down right now. Make sure it is unique and memorable so you can easily find it when the time comes.

Laws also require that your company name be written in such a way that it does not resemble another, existing LLC or doing business as (DBA) name. The last thing you want is for your company to get snared up in legal problems because of a simple name mix-up!

Choose a Registered Agent

A registered agent is an individual (it can be you!) who has registered with the State Secretary’s office as the point of contact for your company. This person will act as secretary to your LLC, taking on administrative tasks like serving court summons and maintaining minutes and files of corporate meetings. Your registered agent will be handed all legal documents that come your company’s way and is expected to forward them to you without conversing with the sender.

File the Articles of Organization

The state government will not acknowledge your new company as a legal entity until you have filed the required documents. These can be done through the Secretary of State, online, or on paper. Once you have filed them then you are officially an LLC!

All LLCs must file an Annual Report with the state for compliance purposes. This report contains information about your company’s structure, profits, and officers. It must be filed to keep your LLC active and IRS-compliant.

Create an Operating Agreement

An operating agreement is a very important document you will need when starting up your LLC because it sets out in detail how the business should be run, it also allows you to outline what your relationship with partners is and explains their rights as well as responsibilities.

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